Re: Fw: [speeders] Measurements

Easiest way would be to buy a "deep cycle" battery and wire the Hunter to draw off this battery. There would be more than enough amps to feed the Hunter for the duration of any excursion. After the excursion, recharge the battery!

Al:

With further reference to the earlier post I made below, I experienced some "regrettable enlightenment" while running on the Hoosier Southern Railroad this past Sunday. While the 20 amp alternator on my B&S Vanguard V-Twin conversion more than keeps the battery recharged on my MT-19 when running the accessories mentioned below, I found to my dismay the same doesn't hold true when the power requirements of my Hunter heater are added. I have no idea of how many amps it's internal blower motor and igniter draw, but it was certainly enough to drain the battery completely within a matter of an hour. Once I discontinued use of the heater and allowed the alternator to recharge the battery (I had to let the engine run for awhile at a moderately-high r.p.m. and with all accessories off to accomplish the task) everything returned to normal.

How I'm going to remedy this problem is currently unknown. I value the heater, and certainly don't want to discontinue the comfort it provides when need arises. The 20 amp alternator on the Vanguard is magneto-driven, and whether B&S offers an upgrade (preferably in the 40 amp vicinity) is questionable (I've placed an inquiry with them to the effect, and awaiting a response). I'm also going to touch base with Les King, as I've heard through the grapevine he may have a solution to the problem. But if worse comes to worst, I guess I could always add a pulley, a belt and a second and more powerful alternator on the front of the engine.

Lee "Learning Something New Everyday" Wilhite - Plainfield, IN

----- Original Message -----

From: Lee Wilhite

To: Al Elliott

Cc: Speeders List

Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 8:46 PM

Subject: Re: [speeders] Measurements

Al:

The B&S Vanguard I bought (the 20 h.p. version) came equipped with a 20 amp alternator. While this would be considered small by most standards (the Onan CCKB it replaced had a 60 amp Delcotron) I haven't encountered any problems keeping a charge in the battery, even with my headlamps and ditch lights constantly illuminated and despite occasional "toots" on my the two-chime, electrically-powered air horn. Of course this could be the exception versus the rule. Once the alternator gets in little more wear on it, things could easily change.

I also must admit that I originally preferred the Honda V-Twin to the B&S Vanguard. But it, too, came with a 20 amp alternator, and being larger in size than the Vanguard, required that some additional modification to my MT-19's engine box to fit properly. The B&S was almost a drop-in, drive off, replacement.

Lee

------ Original Message -----

From: Al Elliott

To: Lee Wilhite

Cc: Speeders List ; list ; Fred Martin

Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 4:54 PM

Subject: Re: [speeders] Measurements

I used portions of Les Kings Vanguard/Honda kit to install a Military Engine(Air Cooled) in an MT14L.
I used his straight shaft to tapered shaft adapter. It works and fit perfectly.
I know Bob Craven was stating he had to keep the unit reved up in order to maintain an acceptable charge from the alternator on the flywheel. In fact I saw him doing it first hand.
First, B&S lists different size alternators for these engines. Perhaps a swap to a larger unit would do the trick.
How does the Honda compare as to out put, anyone know what honda rates there units at.
Last but not least, remember Onan uses an external alternator when installed in a Speeder. There is also an internal one with very little output, perhaps an external automotive unit on the Vanguard/Honda is an answer.
I know not very elegant, but practical.
Al
Lee Wilhite wrote:
Fred: I, too, replaced my Onan power with a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard. I have been overwhelming pleased with the results, and Les King offers a kit that enables the engine to be easily installed and mated to the Fairmont transmission. But I'm not certain the kit will fit all B&S Vanguard models (mine is model 351447 [351400 series], type 1079E1). More likely than not, Les can answer the question for you.